Maldives is the second country after South Africa where I want to go back and look for work! My nephew asked me if we could extend the trip somehow? I often leave a bit of my heart at the places I visit, at Maldives I left behind a sizable chunk.
The capture started right from the airport. After all at how many places do you take a boat from the airport to go somewhere? The Male airport is on a separate island from the city.
I am torn between the resort islands and the budget islands. Budget islands have locals residing there, whereas the resort islands have only tourists. In the end I think I will settle for budget islands as it is more fun to have people around and not just tourists.
Somehow Maafushi had an earthy environment about it and it was as stunning as anything else in Maldives! What a beautiful nation it is! I am keep gushing on and on but let me post some more pictures.
I remember calling one of the travel portals a long time ago inquiring Maldives for a solo traveler. And they told me I would be bored to death as only honeymooning couples go there. Well, I am happy to say they were wrong, dead wrong. I didn’t do it solo but every island was not overrun with honeymooners. I have nothing against honeymooners but I am not really seeking out the islands they frequent as well! In the end I am happy I didn’t go with that travel portal.
And then I chanced upon Svetlana’s blog on Maldives. That was my inspiration. She talked about doing it on a budget. I had some budget. My nephew and I had some leave and there it was, Ah! Maldives. You stole my heart.
Sop finally where did you decide to stay ?
Puru we stayed at Maafushi the budget island and we hopped over for a day trip to Fihalhohi Resort Island.
Great pics.
I saw some of the resorts, very expensive and too many hidden costs.
Indrani the Government taxation is such that 8% and 10% will be charged extra. Try Fihalhohi?
Its great that Maldives is opening up to travellers rather than just honeymooners. Which are the budget islands that you visited?
I was at Maafushi. It is a beautiful place.
Hi Mridula loved all your articles and pictures. I am planning for a trip from Maldives from Dec 24th-30th..right now my flight and room charges are around to 65000 for 2 pax. If I would like to indulge all the activities will I be able to keep it under one lakh :)..right now I have blocked rooms at askani villa in hulhumale and Ras reef resort at mafushi..whr I have stayed at mafushi?..I have seen many videos which are showing garbage dumped on the shores of mafushi..is it like that?..sry for a long post but too many questions out of curiosity..
Hey no when I went it was clean and amazing!
I have planned Maafushi with my wife next month. Will stay in a hotel near the jail. Willing to go on a day trip to a resort. Can you suggest me good resorts in budget within 100 USD per person? Does Fihlahohi allow daytrippers to go near the water villas or see inside the villas if any of those is not occupied?
I did not try that out nor did I ask about it. But I they didn’t offered us to see the water villas as the package either. Of course I could see them from outside.